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Rune Sarasin #1
Blood Rubies
Rune Sarasin is about to learn just how quickly the life of a jewel thief can spiral out of control.… Seven days are all it takes for Rune Sarasin’s life to completely derail. It starts with a typical lifting a pouch of rubies from the Bangkok hotel room of wealthy smuggler Charles Lemaire. Rune nearly gets caught and Lemaire’s goons give chase, but they are no match for the clever motorbike maneuvers of Rune and her boyfriend Kit. As the high of the chase wears off, Kit delivers some terrifying his teenage sister Madee has gone missing. They track her cell phone to the dangerous Khlong Toei slum, but the trail ends there. The night gets even worse when Rune realizes she lost the pouch of gems somewhere in the slum while searching for Madee.
Charles Lemaire is the wrong man to mess with. He is a perfectionist when it comes to both his attire and his crimes, and he isn’t afraid to kill to get what he wants. When he catches up to Rune and Kit, he gives Rune an return his rubies or she will never see her boyfriend again. Now Rune must race against time to either recover the lost gems or find something even more valuable with which to ransom Kit back from Lemaire. But she also still needs to find out what happened to Madee. As Rune investigates deeper into the shadows of the Khlong Toei slum, she uncovers a web of crime with consequences far more insidious than just one missing girl and a handful of stolen rubies.
Hurtling from the back alleys of Bangkok, Thailand, to the glamorous auction houses of New York City, Mailan Doquang’s heart-pounding debut will leave readers questioning just how far they would go for the ones they love.
Charles Lemaire is the wrong man to mess with. He is a perfectionist when it comes to both his attire and his crimes, and he isn’t afraid to kill to get what he wants. When he catches up to Rune and Kit, he gives Rune an return his rubies or she will never see her boyfriend again. Now Rune must race against time to either recover the lost gems or find something even more valuable with which to ransom Kit back from Lemaire. But she also still needs to find out what happened to Madee. As Rune investigates deeper into the shadows of the Khlong Toei slum, she uncovers a web of crime with consequences far more insidious than just one missing girl and a handful of stolen rubies.
Hurtling from the back alleys of Bangkok, Thailand, to the glamorous auction houses of New York City, Mailan Doquang’s heart-pounding debut will leave readers questioning just how far they would go for the ones they love.
306 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2024
32 people are currently reading
8324 people want to read
About the author
Mailan Doquang
2 books36 followersMailan Doquang is an academic turned novelist with a PhD in architectural history from the Institute of Fine Arts, NYU. Her debut thriller, Blood Rubies, is a Globe 100 Best Book of 2024, an Amazon Editor's Pick, and a Strand Pick of the Month. Mailan enjoys traveling, photography, and running. She is a Canadian transplant and longtime resident of New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 7, 2024
Gems of Thai
Review of the Mysterious Press hardcover edition (May 7, 2024).
[3.5 rounded up to 4]
There are a lot of unrealistic elements to Blood Rubies as it makes some rather sudden leaps with abandoned subplots, deus ex machina rescues and not always likeable characters making questionable decisions. But it was a fast read which kept me engaged to find out what would happen. The atmosphere and character of the various Bangkok, Thailand settings were especially well done. You do root for the protagonist jewel thief Rune Sarasin as she presses ahead to overcome the various quests and challenges.
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A view of the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok, Thailand which is somewhat hidden in silhouette on the cover of "Blood Rubies." Image sourced from Wikipedia.
You gradually learn the backstory of how Sarasin, of mixed Thai/American heritage ended up as a safe-cracking thief in Bangkok, having been disavowed by her family in the USA. After an initially successful heist from a ruthless blood rubies merchant, Sarasin and her boyfriend accomplice Kit are captured by the villains. Kit is held hostage with Sarasin tasked to find and return the loot. To add to the troubles Kit's younger sister Madee has disappeared, perhaps trafficked by some shady youth centre characters. And the rubies have been lost as well during a scuffle. Can Sarasin find a solution that will save both Kit and Madee?
It becomes a race against time and then even across continents with ever more dangerous villains to outwit. A good outing for an academic turned first-time thriller author.
Trivia and Links
Thriller writer Mailan Doquang is also the architectural historian Mailan S. Doquang, author of The Lithic Garden: Nature and the Transformation of the Medieval Church (2018).
Read an interview with Mailan Doquang about the process of writing Blood Rubies at Writer's Digest from May 8, 2024.
Read Mailan Doquang's note to readers of Blood Rubies at her website.
Review of the Mysterious Press hardcover edition (May 7, 2024).
[3.5 rounded up to 4]
There are a lot of unrealistic elements to Blood Rubies as it makes some rather sudden leaps with abandoned subplots, deus ex machina rescues and not always likeable characters making questionable decisions. But it was a fast read which kept me engaged to find out what would happen. The atmosphere and character of the various Bangkok, Thailand settings were especially well done. You do root for the protagonist jewel thief Rune Sarasin as she presses ahead to overcome the various quests and challenges.
[image error]
A view of the Wat Arun temple in Bangkok, Thailand which is somewhat hidden in silhouette on the cover of "Blood Rubies." Image sourced from Wikipedia.
You gradually learn the backstory of how Sarasin, of mixed Thai/American heritage ended up as a safe-cracking thief in Bangkok, having been disavowed by her family in the USA. After an initially successful heist from a ruthless blood rubies merchant, Sarasin and her boyfriend accomplice Kit are captured by the villains. Kit is held hostage with Sarasin tasked to find and return the loot. To add to the troubles Kit's younger sister Madee has disappeared, perhaps trafficked by some shady youth centre characters. And the rubies have been lost as well during a scuffle. Can Sarasin find a solution that will save both Kit and Madee?
It becomes a race against time and then even across continents with ever more dangerous villains to outwit. A good outing for an academic turned first-time thriller author.
Trivia and Links
Thriller writer Mailan Doquang is also the architectural historian Mailan S. Doquang, author of The Lithic Garden: Nature and the Transformation of the Medieval Church (2018).
Read an interview with Mailan Doquang about the process of writing Blood Rubies at Writer's Digest from May 8, 2024.
Read Mailan Doquang's note to readers of Blood Rubies at her website.
February 24, 2024
I received my copy of this book from NetGalley as an ARC on behalf of Mysterious Press in return for my honest review.
Blood Rubies at its core is a book about a jewel heist gone wrong. But the book struggled to stick to one storyline and diverted quickly to many different loose threads that were never fully tied up. Our main character Rune was underdeveloped and perhaps misassigned in her role as a jewel thief. We never really got a good picture of how or why she got into the heist business, other than a brief nod to the fact that her father seemed to have been a gemologist. She also appeared to struggle with anxiety, which is not a strong characteristic for a criminal, but if done correctly and with more intention might have worked. In this case though it did not, and it left me feeling instead that she was just really bad at her job. The ending was shocking, but not in a good way. Instead, it left me feeling like (sing along because you know you know this one!) "All that work and what did it get me!"
While this story ultimately did not work, the author is talented, and I enjoyed their writing style. I just wish they had some more guidance and done some more editing, because I do believe there is a worthy story in here but seems like they let all their ideas out of the bag at once and they did not mesh well together.
Blood Rubies at its core is a book about a jewel heist gone wrong. But the book struggled to stick to one storyline and diverted quickly to many different loose threads that were never fully tied up. Our main character Rune was underdeveloped and perhaps misassigned in her role as a jewel thief. We never really got a good picture of how or why she got into the heist business, other than a brief nod to the fact that her father seemed to have been a gemologist. She also appeared to struggle with anxiety, which is not a strong characteristic for a criminal, but if done correctly and with more intention might have worked. In this case though it did not, and it left me feeling instead that she was just really bad at her job. The ending was shocking, but not in a good way. Instead, it left me feeling like (sing along because you know you know this one!) "All that work and what did it get me!"
While this story ultimately did not work, the author is talented, and I enjoyed their writing style. I just wish they had some more guidance and done some more editing, because I do believe there is a worthy story in here but seems like they let all their ideas out of the bag at once and they did not mesh well together.
May 7, 2024
Happy Publication Day today (May 7, 2024)
Meet Rune, a delightfully quirky young jewel thief. She is self-assured in her safecracking abilities, always hungry, persistent, unafraid. Her father is Thai and her mother is of European descent, so she has felt out of place most of her life. She's a thief, and she stole my heart!
Rounded up for solid writing and excellent narration. This is the story of Rune who is almost caught at her latest job, whose boyfriend's sister is missing, and who must pull off the heist of her life to free her boyfriend, Kit, but stumbles across a dark secret.... In other words, it's quite a bit messy! Some storylines are hinted at but not resolved. Nevertheless, it's full of unrelenting tension and high-stakes action that take us around Bangkok, Singapore, and New York City.
I look forward to reading more of this author's books.
My thanks to the author, Mysterious Press, and #NetGalley for the advance audiobook for review purposes.
Meet Rune, a delightfully quirky young jewel thief. She is self-assured in her safecracking abilities, always hungry, persistent, unafraid. Her father is Thai and her mother is of European descent, so she has felt out of place most of her life. She's a thief, and she stole my heart!
Rounded up for solid writing and excellent narration. This is the story of Rune who is almost caught at her latest job, whose boyfriend's sister is missing, and who must pull off the heist of her life to free her boyfriend, Kit, but stumbles across a dark secret.... In other words, it's quite a bit messy! Some storylines are hinted at but not resolved. Nevertheless, it's full of unrelenting tension and high-stakes action that take us around Bangkok, Singapore, and New York City.
I look forward to reading more of this author's books.
My thanks to the author, Mysterious Press, and #NetGalley for the advance audiobook for review purposes.
May 10, 2024
How do you typically find your next read? I've developed a range of techniques to discover the next book that will capture my interest. Whether it's browsing bookstore shelves, listening to book review podcasts, or relying on trusted recommendations from fellow readers, each method has led me to some of my favorite reads. Recently, I've added TikTok to my repertoire. It took longer than expected for book-related content to appear on my "For You" page amidst the flood of puppy videos and cooking tutorials. But finally, it's there. One of my favorite creators on the platform offers an insider's look into book cover design, showcasing how he brings publishers' visions to life. His captivating process, particularly evident in a video where he designs the cover for Mailan Doquang's debut thriller Blood Rubies, inspired me to pick up the book.
Rune Sarasin has always understood the risks of her chosen lifestyle as a thief, but nothing could prepare her for the whirlwind of trouble that ensues in just seven days. It all begins with a daring heist of rubies from the luxurious confines of a Bangkok hotel room owned by the affluent smuggler Charles Lemaire. With the help of her boyfriend Kit, Rune narrowly evades Lemaire's relentless pursuit. However, their triumph is short-lived when they receive distressing news: Kit's sister, Madee, has vanished without a trace. Tracking Madee's cell phone leads them to the perilous Khlong Toei slum, where Rune's own mishap compounds their troubles – she inadvertently loses the stolen rubies while searching for Madee.
Charles Lemaire has set his sights on recovering his prized rubies, and he won't hesitate to resort to violence to achieve his goal. He captures Kit, holding him hostage until Rune returns his stolen jewels. If she fails, Kit will be killed. Now, Rune is thrust into a race against time, torn between reclaiming the lost rubies and rescuing Kit from Lemaire's clutches. Yet, amidst the chaos, Rune cannot ignore the pressing need to uncover the truth behind Madee's disappearance. Delving deeper into the shadows of the Khlong Toei slum, Rune soon discovers a sinister underworld of crime, where the stakes are far higher than a mere collection of stolen jewels or the fate of one missing girl.
I judged Blood Rubies by its cover, and I'm happy to say that the story within was just as captivating as its visually striking exterior. Mailan Doquang immerses readers in a world rife with crime, deception, and high-stakes action, crafting a narrative that unfolds with relentless momentum. This thrilling, globe-spanning tale expertly balances the allure of a daring heist with a protagonist whose personal stakes add depth and resonance to the narrative. Despite some moments of exaggerated action as the plot unfolded, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the story, enjoying every twist and turn it had to offer. Blood Rubies is a delightful, pulse-pounding heist adventure that is sure to satisfy any fan of the thriller genre.
Rune Sarasin has always understood the risks of her chosen lifestyle as a thief, but nothing could prepare her for the whirlwind of trouble that ensues in just seven days. It all begins with a daring heist of rubies from the luxurious confines of a Bangkok hotel room owned by the affluent smuggler Charles Lemaire. With the help of her boyfriend Kit, Rune narrowly evades Lemaire's relentless pursuit. However, their triumph is short-lived when they receive distressing news: Kit's sister, Madee, has vanished without a trace. Tracking Madee's cell phone leads them to the perilous Khlong Toei slum, where Rune's own mishap compounds their troubles – she inadvertently loses the stolen rubies while searching for Madee.
Charles Lemaire has set his sights on recovering his prized rubies, and he won't hesitate to resort to violence to achieve his goal. He captures Kit, holding him hostage until Rune returns his stolen jewels. If she fails, Kit will be killed. Now, Rune is thrust into a race against time, torn between reclaiming the lost rubies and rescuing Kit from Lemaire's clutches. Yet, amidst the chaos, Rune cannot ignore the pressing need to uncover the truth behind Madee's disappearance. Delving deeper into the shadows of the Khlong Toei slum, Rune soon discovers a sinister underworld of crime, where the stakes are far higher than a mere collection of stolen jewels or the fate of one missing girl.
I judged Blood Rubies by its cover, and I'm happy to say that the story within was just as captivating as its visually striking exterior. Mailan Doquang immerses readers in a world rife with crime, deception, and high-stakes action, crafting a narrative that unfolds with relentless momentum. This thrilling, globe-spanning tale expertly balances the allure of a daring heist with a protagonist whose personal stakes add depth and resonance to the narrative. Despite some moments of exaggerated action as the plot unfolded, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the story, enjoying every twist and turn it had to offer. Blood Rubies is a delightful, pulse-pounding heist adventure that is sure to satisfy any fan of the thriller genre.
May 5, 2024
Thank you @mysteriouspress #partner for gifted copy of this book!
Jewel heist. Fast and dangerous motorcycle chase. Missing boyfriend. Rich and connected people. It was like watching a movie! This was such a fast paced adventure as we watch Rune, a jewel thief, lift some rubies from the wrong man. Normally it would not be a big deal as she would escape…this time it’s not so easy! She is being tracked before she knows it and she finds it is not an easy task to stay hidden when such powerful people that have access to endless resources are tracking you! Too bad she’s lost the rubies and she must get them back before her life completely unravels. This was such a wild ride around the world! From NYC to Bangkok you’ll see it all. Doquang does a great job painting the picture of a wicked, dark and seedy life! It is intense from the very first chapter and didn’t let me go until the end. If you’re a fan of heist books this one was exceptional and fierce tale!
Jewel heist. Fast and dangerous motorcycle chase. Missing boyfriend. Rich and connected people. It was like watching a movie! This was such a fast paced adventure as we watch Rune, a jewel thief, lift some rubies from the wrong man. Normally it would not be a big deal as she would escape…this time it’s not so easy! She is being tracked before she knows it and she finds it is not an easy task to stay hidden when such powerful people that have access to endless resources are tracking you! Too bad she’s lost the rubies and she must get them back before her life completely unravels. This was such a wild ride around the world! From NYC to Bangkok you’ll see it all. Doquang does a great job painting the picture of a wicked, dark and seedy life! It is intense from the very first chapter and didn’t let me go until the end. If you’re a fan of heist books this one was exceptional and fierce tale!
June 2, 2024
This was such an enjoyable action packed thriller and I found it impossible to put it down! I loved following Rune throughout this book and seeing how she handled the different situations she encountered. Blood Rubies had a lot packed into the plot, from jewel theft, missing girls, and so much more. I read this fast paced thriller in one night and I loved the author’s writing style and the overall storyline.
Read this if you like:
📖 Heists
📖 Atmospheric reads
📖 Fast paced books
📖 Lots of subplots
This was a strong debut novel, and I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
Thank you to Mysterious Press for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read this if you like:
📖 Heists
📖 Atmospheric reads
📖 Fast paced books
📖 Lots of subplots
This was a strong debut novel, and I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
Thank you to Mysterious Press for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2024
Rune Sarasin has a checkered past. Now she is finding out that life as a jewel there can be hard as well. Her boyfriend, Kit, is being held hostage while his little sister Madee is missing. Oh yeah, and Rune stole and then lost a criminal mastermind’s treasured rubies. Can she possibly get everything straightened out and save Kit, Maddee, and her own life too?
I got this novel as an arc audiobook from NetGalley, and I loved the audiobook format. The narrator, Cindy Kay, was great with a fantastic sense of timing, perfect pace, and of course, unique voices conveying personalities for all of the speaking characters. Not an easy feat! I will definitely be looking for more of her work in the future.
The plot was super engaging. Audiobooks usually take me at least 3 days, sometimes many more depending on the length and amount of time I can devote to listening. I listened to this one in about 24 hours. I could not turn it off! It was just the right amount of danger and violence. The main character had such a backstory that it could support its own book! The pace was quick, the characters drew me in, the story was engaging - what more could I ask for? A sequel? Or could this be the start of a great new series? 🤞🤞
I got this novel as an arc audiobook from NetGalley, and I loved the audiobook format. The narrator, Cindy Kay, was great with a fantastic sense of timing, perfect pace, and of course, unique voices conveying personalities for all of the speaking characters. Not an easy feat! I will definitely be looking for more of her work in the future.
The plot was super engaging. Audiobooks usually take me at least 3 days, sometimes many more depending on the length and amount of time I can devote to listening. I listened to this one in about 24 hours. I could not turn it off! It was just the right amount of danger and violence. The main character had such a backstory that it could support its own book! The pace was quick, the characters drew me in, the story was engaging - what more could I ask for? A sequel? Or could this be the start of a great new series? 🤞🤞
January 9, 2025
A wild (tuktuk?) ride from beginning to end… obviously personally biased but a gem heist set in Bangkok with a Thai-American protagonist is just awesome. Rune was the perfect mixture of sharp-tongued & hot-headed, cynical yet compassionate. I WILL be checking out the next book!
(Also the author is an architectural historian, and she shines at bringing neighborhoods to life.)
(Also the author is an architectural historian, and she shines at bringing neighborhoods to life.)
January 11, 2025
Action-packed adventure through Bangkok’s slums, rich enclaves and gemstone trade, complete with tuktuks, martial arts, intrigue and thrills.
January 12, 2024
I received an ARC copy of Blood Rubies from the Author and the fine folks at NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This story takes place in the nation of Thailand as two jewel thieves, Rune Sarasin and her boyfriend (and partner in crime) Kit break into the Bangkok hotel room of a wealthy smuggler of gemstones, Charles Lemaire and attempt to steal a pouch of rubies from said hotel room. Rune nearly gets caught by hotel security as she makes her escape and Lemaire's goons give chase through the streets of Bangkok, but they are no match as the two thieves make their way through the streets of Bangkok on a Ducati motorbike.
As their adrenaline rush starts to wear off, Kit delivers the terrifying news that his teenage sister, Madee, has gone missing in the dangerous Khlong Toei slum. They attempt to find her by tracking her cell phone to an area surrounded by a church and a local youth facility, where Rune comes into contact with a priest and a children services worker who are involved with the smuggling of young women to countries outside of Thailand for nefarious purposes. The night gets even worse when Rune realizes she lost the pouch of gems somewhere in the slum while searching for the teenage girl.
Her boyfriend, Kit, is taken prisoner by Charles Lemaire and his goons in return for the missing rubies..
In return for his freedom, Rune is sent to New York to steal a rather valuable ruby ring that was part of the art collection of a rich benefactor.
As a debut novel, I would give this author a solid three and a half stars (which would round to four stars for Goodreads) for this strong effort and the vivid picture that they are able to paint in the reader's mind and believe that this novel would be enjoyed by readers and afficiandos of crime fiction.
As with most of my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
I just reviewed Blood Rubies by Mailan Doquang. #BloodRubies #NetGalley
This story takes place in the nation of Thailand as two jewel thieves, Rune Sarasin and her boyfriend (and partner in crime) Kit break into the Bangkok hotel room of a wealthy smuggler of gemstones, Charles Lemaire and attempt to steal a pouch of rubies from said hotel room. Rune nearly gets caught by hotel security as she makes her escape and Lemaire's goons give chase through the streets of Bangkok, but they are no match as the two thieves make their way through the streets of Bangkok on a Ducati motorbike.
As their adrenaline rush starts to wear off, Kit delivers the terrifying news that his teenage sister, Madee, has gone missing in the dangerous Khlong Toei slum. They attempt to find her by tracking her cell phone to an area surrounded by a church and a local youth facility, where Rune comes into contact with a priest and a children services worker who are involved with the smuggling of young women to countries outside of Thailand for nefarious purposes. The night gets even worse when Rune realizes she lost the pouch of gems somewhere in the slum while searching for the teenage girl.
Her boyfriend, Kit, is taken prisoner by Charles Lemaire and his goons in return for the missing rubies..
In return for his freedom, Rune is sent to New York to steal a rather valuable ruby ring that was part of the art collection of a rich benefactor.
As a debut novel, I would give this author a solid three and a half stars (which would round to four stars for Goodreads) for this strong effort and the vivid picture that they are able to paint in the reader's mind and believe that this novel would be enjoyed by readers and afficiandos of crime fiction.
As with most of my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
I just reviewed Blood Rubies by Mailan Doquang. #BloodRubies #NetGalley
April 17, 2024
Blood Rubies is an action packed thriller that spans multiple countries and multiple high stakes!
When jewel thief Rune has her first operation go wrong, she finds herself entangled in the web of a wealthy smuggler named Charles Lemaire. Charles tracks her down and tells her to find the rubies she lost, or he will kill her partner in crime, who is also her boyfriend. At the same time, her boyfriend Kit's sister Madee has gone missing, so now Kit and Madee's lives are at stake while Rune tries to save both of them and find the rubies she lost while searching for Madee. The more she searches for the rubies, the worse crimes she discovers, while all she wants is to protect the ones she loves.
This was so intense! The scenes give you such a strong sense of place as Rune tries to get out of the mess she's made, making it feel like a cinematic spy thriller. I loved this one and fans of action packed thrillers will too!
Thanks to Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for an ARC in exchanged for my honest review.
When jewel thief Rune has her first operation go wrong, she finds herself entangled in the web of a wealthy smuggler named Charles Lemaire. Charles tracks her down and tells her to find the rubies she lost, or he will kill her partner in crime, who is also her boyfriend. At the same time, her boyfriend Kit's sister Madee has gone missing, so now Kit and Madee's lives are at stake while Rune tries to save both of them and find the rubies she lost while searching for Madee. The more she searches for the rubies, the worse crimes she discovers, while all she wants is to protect the ones she loves.
This was so intense! The scenes give you such a strong sense of place as Rune tries to get out of the mess she's made, making it feel like a cinematic spy thriller. I loved this one and fans of action packed thrillers will too!
Thanks to Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for an ARC in exchanged for my honest review.
January 12, 2025
A hugely fun heist novel and a perfect summer read.
I love a heist gone wrong plot, and this one starts off exactly that way. A mid-tier jewel thief rips off the wrong man, and from there her world unravels.
This is a terrific blend of action and plot, and though parts of it do require a slight suspension of disbelief (there were quite a few moments where I heard myself say aloud “what are the chances?”), I found I didn’t actually mind this at all, and very much enjoyed the adventure of this, however improbable some of its moments may be.
It’s exciting without ever being upsettingly stressful, and I always appreciate lighter reads like this that feel intense and exciting without feeling in the least bit heavy.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I love a heist gone wrong plot, and this one starts off exactly that way. A mid-tier jewel thief rips off the wrong man, and from there her world unravels.
This is a terrific blend of action and plot, and though parts of it do require a slight suspension of disbelief (there were quite a few moments where I heard myself say aloud “what are the chances?”), I found I didn’t actually mind this at all, and very much enjoyed the adventure of this, however improbable some of its moments may be.
It’s exciting without ever being upsettingly stressful, and I always appreciate lighter reads like this that feel intense and exciting without feeling in the least bit heavy.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
July 18, 2024
Hard to put this one down!
Fast paced, nostalgic Bangkok locations. Excessively violent beatings, but they didn't seem to slow her down. Wait until she gets older...
Looking forward to the next one.
Fast paced, nostalgic Bangkok locations. Excessively violent beatings, but they didn't seem to slow her down. Wait until she gets older...
Looking forward to the next one.
May 15, 2024
Rune is a jewel thief. She's just stolen a bunch of rubies when the unthinkable happens. Her boyfriend's fifteen year old sister, Madee, is missing. Since Madee is the only family Kit has left, finding her becomes Rune's priority too. But her recent theft has put her in the sights of an infamous smuggler, Lemaire. Now it's not only a race to find Madee, but also one to outrun Lemaire.
This book has a good premise, and the writing is good, but the story is kind of all over the place. It requires a lot of suspension of disbelief here. Also, I felt like Rune wasn't fully fleshed out until it was too late. We learn the most about her at the end of the book, and by that time it's too late to sympathize with her. I didn't hate this book, but I didn't particularly love it either.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ALC. Cindy Kay is my favorite narrator of all time, and once again, she does not disappoint.
This book has a good premise, and the writing is good, but the story is kind of all over the place. It requires a lot of suspension of disbelief here. Also, I felt like Rune wasn't fully fleshed out until it was too late. We learn the most about her at the end of the book, and by that time it's too late to sympathize with her. I didn't hate this book, but I didn't particularly love it either.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ALC. Cindy Kay is my favorite narrator of all time, and once again, she does not disappoint.
May 19, 2024
After finishing this, I’m glad I got this as a free ARC. I don’t want to be rude, but I don’t think I would have willingly paid for this.
The concept of this seemed really interesting, and I was initially excited to get into this. Girl steals rare blood rubies from bad guy and finds out her boyfriend’s sister is missing, girl loses blood rubies, bad guy holds boyfriend hostage until rubies are given back, and girl goes out to look for the sister and aforementioned rubies. Pretty straightforward, and according to the blurb, all within the backdrop of Thailand slums. Sounds good.
A quarter of the way through, she’s failed to reach the deadline to find and return the blood rubies, thus making the rest of the book seem like filler. Honestly, she doesn’t even go looking for the rubies despite the love of her life literally being on the line. For a book entitled “Blood Rubies,” it was more about finding the sister and stumbling upon random trafficking pockets in Thailand.
The background for the FMC, Rune, wasn’t fitting in anyway. It was essentially random memories of intense youth bullying and being trapped between two cultures as she was half American and Thai. It didn’t feel substantial enough. I did, however, love her relationship with her boyfriend, Kit, and I loved the deep-rooted connection they showed.
The ending leaves something to be desired. Where the sister, Madee, actually was the whole time felt like a waste of time and effort for Rune and for me! And how things are left off between Lemaire, the bad guy, and Rune feels annoyingly incomplete, like it wasn’t tied in a nice little bow. I’m hoping this wasn’t the start of a series because honestly I’m not investing more time into this.
The concept of this seemed really interesting, and I was initially excited to get into this. Girl steals rare blood rubies from bad guy and finds out her boyfriend’s sister is missing, girl loses blood rubies, bad guy holds boyfriend hostage until rubies are given back, and girl goes out to look for the sister and aforementioned rubies. Pretty straightforward, and according to the blurb, all within the backdrop of Thailand slums. Sounds good.
A quarter of the way through, she’s failed to reach the deadline to find and return the blood rubies, thus making the rest of the book seem like filler. Honestly, she doesn’t even go looking for the rubies despite the love of her life literally being on the line. For a book entitled “Blood Rubies,” it was more about finding the sister and stumbling upon random trafficking pockets in Thailand.
The background for the FMC, Rune, wasn’t fitting in anyway. It was essentially random memories of intense youth bullying and being trapped between two cultures as she was half American and Thai. It didn’t feel substantial enough. I did, however, love her relationship with her boyfriend, Kit, and I loved the deep-rooted connection they showed.
The ending leaves something to be desired. Where the sister, Madee, actually was the whole time felt like a waste of time and effort for Rune and for me! And how things are left off between Lemaire, the bad guy, and Rune feels annoyingly incomplete, like it wasn’t tied in a nice little bow. I’m hoping this wasn’t the start of a series because honestly I’m not investing more time into this.
May 4, 2024
Fast paced with shifting locations and occasionally I got sidetracked, but looks to be a great series once the kinks get ironed out.
Voice actor Cindy Kay has n excellent range for emotions and characters, but that whispery delivery made me sleepy.
I requested and received a temporary audio from HighBridge Audio via NetGalley. Thank you!
Voice actor Cindy Kay has n excellent range for emotions and characters, but that whispery delivery made me sleepy.
I requested and received a temporary audio from HighBridge Audio via NetGalley. Thank you!
May 13, 2024
Blood Rubies by Mailan Doquang
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rune Sarasin’s life is upended when she tries to pull off the heist of a bag of rubies from a wealthy smuggler.
Such an amazing thriller! I love this type of novel and how it pulls you in quickly and never lets you have time to breathe! Just one action packed chapter to the next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rune Sarasin’s life is upended when she tries to pull off the heist of a bag of rubies from a wealthy smuggler.
Such an amazing thriller! I love this type of novel and how it pulls you in quickly and never lets you have time to breathe! Just one action packed chapter to the next!
October 6, 2024
I received this through the Goodreads Giveaways.
The plot and storyline were interesting and I was ready to give the book 4 stars but the ending completely ruined it. I was so disappointed. After all that work, one of the main drivers of the characters' actions was a stupid, poorly explained misunderstanding.
The plot and storyline were interesting and I was ready to give the book 4 stars but the ending completely ruined it. I was so disappointed. After all that work, one of the main drivers of the characters' actions was a stupid, poorly explained misunderstanding.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2024
It was a page turner. This would be a good mini series. Nice to see a female I’m a major role
April 8, 2024
Can a quick-witted jewel thief survive the maelstrom of crimes in which she finds herself?
The offspring of a Thai gemstone dealer and an American mother, Rune Sarasin has never felt that she fully belonged to either of her parents’ cultures. After she was falsely accused of deliberately hurting a girl who had mercilessly bullied her as a teen (even her parents didn’t believe her side of the story) she was sent away for psychiatric treatment for two years. She emerged a very angry young woman who has stopped trying to please anyone but herself, and has left the US to spend time in Thailand. She doesn’t speak Thai very well, which the Thais with whom she comes into contact regularly remind her. Her strongest skill sets are stealthy observation and knowledge of quality gemstones, so her foray into the career of a jewel thief was a logical move. She steals from the very rich, just like Robin Hood….but keeps the spoils for herself and her partner in love and larceny, a young Thai named KIt. Then comes the night that she steals a pouch of valuable Myanmar rubies from unscrupulous American jewel smuggler Charles Lemaire…she barely makes it out of the hotel where she made the snatch to hop on the back of Kit’s Ducati for a breakneck ride through the streets of Bangkok with Lemaire’s enforcers in hot pursuit. Only when they have made it to safety does Kit tell her his news….his rebellious teenage sister, whom he has raised since an accident killed their parents years ago, is missing. In a country where corruption is a way of life, even for many in the police, the two set out to try to find her themselves. Instead, they lose the rubies and are captured by the irate and vengeful Lemaire. With Kit’s life in the balance, can Rune find the missing rubies to return to Lemaire and find Madee, who could be a victim of the rampant sex traffickers in Thailand or worse, before the clock runs out on them all?
From the opening scene, with Rune tied to a chair in an abandoned warehouse that has been set on fire, through some of the nastiest corners of Bangkok’s slums, luxurious hotels and the auction hall at Sotheby’s, the reader is treated to memorable locations (some glamorous, some heart wrenchingly tragic) and some endearing but flawed characters. Rune (which means “happy” in Thai, though she is anything but) is a very smart but troubled young woman who has experienced prejudice and betrayal in her life often enough to have accrued a lot of anger and attitude, but not much impulse control….and she gets herself into (and sometimes out of) trouble with great frequency. Kit experienced loss at a young age, and has become an overly protective big brother to Madee, who in true teen fashion is acting out and rebelling at every turn. Rune and Kit both have deep streaks of loyalty to those in their life whom they love, which fuels their frantic search for Madee. The story races along as Rune deperately tries to meet Lemaire’s deadline while bulldozing her way through the slum area known as Khlong Toei, getting arrested, roughed up, added to a cargo of trafficked young girls….and more. She’s by turns impulsive, naive, crafty, and driven by fury. With an ending that hints at a possible sequel, this is an action-packed thriller that fans of Marie Lu, Lisa Unger and Alafair Burke should enjoy. While I’d love to have seen a bit more character development and found a couple of plot twists that strained credulity, I found Blood Rubies to be a gripping thriller which grabbed my attention from page one and didn’t let go till the end….and even then left me looking ahead to a future installment. Many thanks to NetGalley and Mysterious Press/Penzler Publishers for allowing me an early peek at this story by first-time author Mailan Doquang.
The offspring of a Thai gemstone dealer and an American mother, Rune Sarasin has never felt that she fully belonged to either of her parents’ cultures. After she was falsely accused of deliberately hurting a girl who had mercilessly bullied her as a teen (even her parents didn’t believe her side of the story) she was sent away for psychiatric treatment for two years. She emerged a very angry young woman who has stopped trying to please anyone but herself, and has left the US to spend time in Thailand. She doesn’t speak Thai very well, which the Thais with whom she comes into contact regularly remind her. Her strongest skill sets are stealthy observation and knowledge of quality gemstones, so her foray into the career of a jewel thief was a logical move. She steals from the very rich, just like Robin Hood….but keeps the spoils for herself and her partner in love and larceny, a young Thai named KIt. Then comes the night that she steals a pouch of valuable Myanmar rubies from unscrupulous American jewel smuggler Charles Lemaire…she barely makes it out of the hotel where she made the snatch to hop on the back of Kit’s Ducati for a breakneck ride through the streets of Bangkok with Lemaire’s enforcers in hot pursuit. Only when they have made it to safety does Kit tell her his news….his rebellious teenage sister, whom he has raised since an accident killed their parents years ago, is missing. In a country where corruption is a way of life, even for many in the police, the two set out to try to find her themselves. Instead, they lose the rubies and are captured by the irate and vengeful Lemaire. With Kit’s life in the balance, can Rune find the missing rubies to return to Lemaire and find Madee, who could be a victim of the rampant sex traffickers in Thailand or worse, before the clock runs out on them all?
From the opening scene, with Rune tied to a chair in an abandoned warehouse that has been set on fire, through some of the nastiest corners of Bangkok’s slums, luxurious hotels and the auction hall at Sotheby’s, the reader is treated to memorable locations (some glamorous, some heart wrenchingly tragic) and some endearing but flawed characters. Rune (which means “happy” in Thai, though she is anything but) is a very smart but troubled young woman who has experienced prejudice and betrayal in her life often enough to have accrued a lot of anger and attitude, but not much impulse control….and she gets herself into (and sometimes out of) trouble with great frequency. Kit experienced loss at a young age, and has become an overly protective big brother to Madee, who in true teen fashion is acting out and rebelling at every turn. Rune and Kit both have deep streaks of loyalty to those in their life whom they love, which fuels their frantic search for Madee. The story races along as Rune deperately tries to meet Lemaire’s deadline while bulldozing her way through the slum area known as Khlong Toei, getting arrested, roughed up, added to a cargo of trafficked young girls….and more. She’s by turns impulsive, naive, crafty, and driven by fury. With an ending that hints at a possible sequel, this is an action-packed thriller that fans of Marie Lu, Lisa Unger and Alafair Burke should enjoy. While I’d love to have seen a bit more character development and found a couple of plot twists that strained credulity, I found Blood Rubies to be a gripping thriller which grabbed my attention from page one and didn’t let go till the end….and even then left me looking ahead to a future installment. Many thanks to NetGalley and Mysterious Press/Penzler Publishers for allowing me an early peek at this story by first-time author Mailan Doquang.
May 27, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC audiobook.
In Blood Rubies, Mailan Doquang takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through the bustling streets of Bangkok, where danger lurks around every corner. This gripping audiobook, narrated by Cindy Kay, weaves together suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists.
Rune Sarasin, a skilled jewel thief, finds herself entangled in a web of crime when a seemingly routine heist goes awry. After stealing a pouch of precious rubies from wealthy smuggler Charles Lemaire’s Bangkok hotel room, Rune’s life takes a dark turn. Her boyfriend, Kit, reveals that his teenage sister, Madee, has gone missing, and Rune’s anxiety mounts as she realizes she lost the gems while searching for the girl in the dangerous Khlong Toei slum.
But Charles Lemaire is no ordinary adversary. A perfectionist with a penchant for violence, he gives Rune an ultimatum: return the rubies or lose Kit forever. Now, Rune must race against time to recover the stolen gems or find something even more valuable to ransom Kit back. As she delves deeper into the shadows of Bangkok, she uncovers a sinister underworld with consequences far beyond a missing girl and a handful of rubies.
Blood Rubies is a rollercoaster ride of suspense, adrenaline, and unexpected alliances. Doquang’s vivid descriptions transport listeners from the glittering streets of Bangkok to the glamorous auction houses of New York City. The author’s familiarity with Bangkok’s nuances shines through, painting a rich tapestry of the city’s contrasts—from opulence to poverty.
Cindy Kay’s narration adds depth to the characters, capturing Rune’s determination and vulnerability. Her pacing keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, especially during high-stakes moments. The audiobook’s length is perfect for binge-listening, and I found myself unable to hit pause as the tension escalated.
However, the novel occasionally veers off course, introducing loose threads that remain unresolved. Rune’s backstory as a jewel thief lacks depth, leaving readers wanting more insight into her motivations. Despite this, the fast-paced plot compensates for any shortcomings.
Blood Rubies is a thrilling ride that combines the allure of precious gems with the urgency of a missing girl. If you enjoy heist stories, intricate plots, and exotic settings, this audiobook is a gem worth discovering. Just be prepared for heart-pounding twists and turns that will keep you guessing.
I appreciated the unique blend of suspense and exotic locales in “Blood Rubies.” While some character development could be stronger, the overall experience is captivating.
In Blood Rubies, Mailan Doquang takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through the bustling streets of Bangkok, where danger lurks around every corner. This gripping audiobook, narrated by Cindy Kay, weaves together suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists.
Rune Sarasin, a skilled jewel thief, finds herself entangled in a web of crime when a seemingly routine heist goes awry. After stealing a pouch of precious rubies from wealthy smuggler Charles Lemaire’s Bangkok hotel room, Rune’s life takes a dark turn. Her boyfriend, Kit, reveals that his teenage sister, Madee, has gone missing, and Rune’s anxiety mounts as she realizes she lost the gems while searching for the girl in the dangerous Khlong Toei slum.
But Charles Lemaire is no ordinary adversary. A perfectionist with a penchant for violence, he gives Rune an ultimatum: return the rubies or lose Kit forever. Now, Rune must race against time to recover the stolen gems or find something even more valuable to ransom Kit back. As she delves deeper into the shadows of Bangkok, she uncovers a sinister underworld with consequences far beyond a missing girl and a handful of rubies.
Blood Rubies is a rollercoaster ride of suspense, adrenaline, and unexpected alliances. Doquang’s vivid descriptions transport listeners from the glittering streets of Bangkok to the glamorous auction houses of New York City. The author’s familiarity with Bangkok’s nuances shines through, painting a rich tapestry of the city’s contrasts—from opulence to poverty.
Cindy Kay’s narration adds depth to the characters, capturing Rune’s determination and vulnerability. Her pacing keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, especially during high-stakes moments. The audiobook’s length is perfect for binge-listening, and I found myself unable to hit pause as the tension escalated.
However, the novel occasionally veers off course, introducing loose threads that remain unresolved. Rune’s backstory as a jewel thief lacks depth, leaving readers wanting more insight into her motivations. Despite this, the fast-paced plot compensates for any shortcomings.
Blood Rubies is a thrilling ride that combines the allure of precious gems with the urgency of a missing girl. If you enjoy heist stories, intricate plots, and exotic settings, this audiobook is a gem worth discovering. Just be prepared for heart-pounding twists and turns that will keep you guessing.
I appreciated the unique blend of suspense and exotic locales in “Blood Rubies.” While some character development could be stronger, the overall experience is captivating.
August 24, 2024
The CHs are well-developed, the Pace almost non-stop, and the Framing punches this high-speed international gem heist to an above-average level. Rune and her boyfriend Kit steal a truly bad guy’s blood rubies and from their first chase scene sets the accelerating Pace and stakes. Kit’s teenage sister is also missing and provides an additional counterpoint of anxiety and concern as the elegant and downtrodden parts of Bangkok and Thailand and the inner sanctums of Manhattan add to the exhilarating and escalating Tone. The climate, poverty vs opulence details, clothing, décor, and architecture add to the Tone as well. I never really felt connected to Rune or any other CH; however, the author does a good job of providing layered portraits for the main CHs, even if the supporting and bad guys are rather one-note. Rune and Kit’s background is quickly revealed and the thematic material covers human trafficking, drugs, gem smuggling, economic and class differences and balances well with the many chase scenes and heist details. RED FLAGS Graphically violent; Harm to children; Sexual abuse; Addiction. Satisfactory conclusion while dangling a possible sequel. Readalikes may be S.K Golden’s Stolen Pieces, Christopher Reich’s Simon Riske series, and Thomas Perry’s The Burglar for the Pace, the heist details, and the travelogue. Golden & Perry for the young female protagonist.
December 10, 2024
This is a story that has a unique premise, which is what initially drew me in. It did a good job of blending themes around theft, crime, and the willingness to do whatever you can for those you love.
The world building was believable and the cultural aspects gave it some depth. However, it felt like the pacing was kind of all over the place. Some parts felt like we could have used some more time focusing on, and others felt rushed.
The characters were intriguing at first but I feel like they could have been expanded upon in the development stage, some of the motivations felt inconsistent.
It has its flaws, but was otherwise a decent read. 3 ⭐️‘s
Thank you to the Author Malian Doquang for writing this story, thank you as well to Cindy Kay who narrated it.
The world building was believable and the cultural aspects gave it some depth. However, it felt like the pacing was kind of all over the place. Some parts felt like we could have used some more time focusing on, and others felt rushed.
The characters were intriguing at first but I feel like they could have been expanded upon in the development stage, some of the motivations felt inconsistent.
It has its flaws, but was otherwise a decent read. 3 ⭐️‘s
Thank you to the Author Malian Doquang for writing this story, thank you as well to Cindy Kay who narrated it.
June 25, 2025
Blood Rubies is the perfect summer thriller read.
A Rune Sarasin Caper series.
In seven days, jewel thief Rune Sarasin must not only return the bag of rubies she stole from a wealthy smuggler Charles Lumiere. But, she also needs to save the life of her boyfriend/partner in crime Kit, and find his teenager sister Madee, who has disappeared in the dangerous area Khlong Toei, Bangkok. All these events leads Rune (“Happy” in Thai) to uncover a network of sex traffickers.
If you enjoy heist stories, exotic settings, fast paced books this is the read for you.
Mailan Doquang masterfully crafts a fast paced story that kept me on the edge of my seat. This would be perfect for a mini series.
A Rune Sarasin Caper series.
In seven days, jewel thief Rune Sarasin must not only return the bag of rubies she stole from a wealthy smuggler Charles Lumiere. But, she also needs to save the life of her boyfriend/partner in crime Kit, and find his teenager sister Madee, who has disappeared in the dangerous area Khlong Toei, Bangkok. All these events leads Rune (“Happy” in Thai) to uncover a network of sex traffickers.
If you enjoy heist stories, exotic settings, fast paced books this is the read for you.
Mailan Doquang masterfully crafts a fast paced story that kept me on the edge of my seat. This would be perfect for a mini series.
September 5, 2025
Rune Felicity Sarasin is a gem expert and a master jewel thief. Her father helped develop her expertise and her response to being hazed at summer camp set her on a divergent path. Kit is the love or her life, and her get away driver. His sister Madee completes their trilogy. Rune is a thrill junkie, but a prfessional, so it's surprising when she ends up stealing a gangster's rubies. At the same time, Madee is kidnapped. During the search for Madee, Rune loses the rubies. Shortly thereafter, the gangster capures Rune and Kit. The gangster releases Rune, and holds Kit captive, based on a series of promises from Rune to the gangster. Rune sets of on a 7-day dash from Bangkok to New York City, to find Madee and get Rune released.
May 13, 2024
In the book Blood Rubies, author Mailan Doquang follows Rune Sarasin who is a thief that steals the wrong persons jewels. Now she is on the run for her life as the owner is a powerful jewel smuggler. Will Sarasin survive? And when her partner is taken as leverage, will she be able to save him? This was a good story idea, but the story seemed to lack focus at times. And the ending left it open to start a series but the ending left a lot of holes in the story line. I would recommend this book. The audio-book narration was ok. The reader act4ed like she was whispering most of the time. I received a copy of this audio-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Mysterious Press for this ARC,
"Blood Rubies" is the story of a jewel heist gone terribly wrong. When Rune steals a pouch of highly valued rubies and then loses them in the slums of Bangkok, what ensues is a fast-paced tale of human trafficking, revenge, and redemption. On top of that, the sister of Rune's boyfriend goes missing. Is it connected or not?
The author does an incredible job of painting a very vivid picture of Rune's environment. I could almost feel the humidity of Bangkok radiating through the pages. The heist story is also very intriguing as more characters start to enter into the scene.
This is a very fast-paced novel, which I was excited about. The beginning of the novel opens with Rune tied to a chair and a fire raging outside her door. I knew I was in for a wild ride as the author flashbacked and continued the story that led to this situaiton.
My only two points of criticism are that I wish the character of Rune and her backstory was a bit more fleshed out, and I did not enjoy the ending at all. Overall, I enjoyed seeing Rune navigate the numerous conflicts and situations that inevitably came her way.
"Blood Rubies" is the story of a jewel heist gone terribly wrong. When Rune steals a pouch of highly valued rubies and then loses them in the slums of Bangkok, what ensues is a fast-paced tale of human trafficking, revenge, and redemption. On top of that, the sister of Rune's boyfriend goes missing. Is it connected or not?
The author does an incredible job of painting a very vivid picture of Rune's environment. I could almost feel the humidity of Bangkok radiating through the pages. The heist story is also very intriguing as more characters start to enter into the scene.
This is a very fast-paced novel, which I was excited about. The beginning of the novel opens with Rune tied to a chair and a fire raging outside her door. I knew I was in for a wild ride as the author flashbacked and continued the story that led to this situaiton.
My only two points of criticism are that I wish the character of Rune and her backstory was a bit more fleshed out, and I did not enjoy the ending at all. Overall, I enjoyed seeing Rune navigate the numerous conflicts and situations that inevitably came her way.
March 10, 2025
Blood rubies must be the closest thing to a narrative on Meth, the protagonist, Rune is a crazy risk taker and should have ended up dead. I found it difficult to suspend belief and kept observing the holes in the story, of which there are many. Most interesting was the introduction to to the trade in gems and how the illegal trade and the auction houses seem to move in sync. Other than that, the gritty and awful underside of Bangkok and other insalubrious places helped the general smell of the novel. Will not be reading another installment.
April 23, 2025
If you’re looking for a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat thriller, look no further. This novel delivers nonstop action from the first page to the last, with barely a moment to catch your breath.
Rune is the kind of protagonist you want in your corner—strong, capable, and absolutely fearless. Whether she’s outsmarting enemies, surviving impossible odds, or making split-second decisions under pressure, she never backs down. And yet, there’s a depth to her that makes you care about more than just her survival. You root for her, cheer for her, and feel every hit she takes.
The pacing is relentless in the best way—tight chapters, high stakes, and twists that actually surprise. If adrenaline had pages, this book would be it. A must-read for fans of high-octane thrillers and unforgettable heroines.
Rune is the kind of protagonist you want in your corner—strong, capable, and absolutely fearless. Whether she’s outsmarting enemies, surviving impossible odds, or making split-second decisions under pressure, she never backs down. And yet, there’s a depth to her that makes you care about more than just her survival. You root for her, cheer for her, and feel every hit she takes.
The pacing is relentless in the best way—tight chapters, high stakes, and twists that actually surprise. If adrenaline had pages, this book would be it. A must-read for fans of high-octane thrillers and unforgettable heroines.
March 24, 2024
I've been fortunate to get ahold of an advance copy of this heart-palpitating thriller. Although masterfully paced to keep you guessing what is coming next, and how Rune will handle it, the center of gravity is Rune's delightful complexity; her rashness and resourcefulness, prickliness and fierce loyalty balance one another captivatingly. If a compelling protagonist and action set in vividly-described locales (Bangkok and New York) are your thing, this book will speak to you.
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